School Time!

Jase started school last week. It all happened so quickly. When I registered him they said they would get in touch with me in 2-4 weeks and he would probably be tested again to determine what classroom or services they would be able to provide for his needs. Well a few days later we got a phone call that we needed to meet to sign papers because there was an opening at the nearest elementary school for Jase in a special education pre-k program. They decided to accept his IEP as it was for the next sixty days then re-evaluate it to determine if they need to retest him and change the IEP. I went in the next Monday and signed papers and they said that he would start the next day, go five days a week and the school hours are 8:20-3:00. Gulp! What?! Oh boy this threw me for a loop. They then asked me if we wanted to sign up for the school bus. I said that we could sign him up and we would see how it would go. After driving him to school a couple of days and getting us all ready and then take him and Zach out of the car to take him inside I knew that the bus would help with the stress of rushing around to get him there on time. Then they told me I would have to arrive at school an hour before it was let out to sit in the front of the car pick-up line to wait for an hour for him to be released. With Zach in tow that just wasn't reasonable since he needed to be napping during that time. So the bus picks him up at 7:30 and he gets home at 3:25. It's a long day but it's so worth it. His teacher is really nice and is understanding of his needs and know just how to help him. When he gets home he goes straight to his trains and plays alone. I try to ask him questions about school but mostly he says he doesn't know and isn't interested in discussing it. But he doesn't quite have the skills to be able to have a conversation and to recollect the day's events. He is really happy and hasn't even cried. Makes us feel really good and hopefully he will be mainstreamed by the time he enters kindergarten or 1st grade.

We found out who sent the ISPY book! My lovely friend, Dee, from where we moved from. The boys are usually fighting over who is going to look at it. The still love reading books which is so great and cute.

Here is Jase getting off the bus for the first time. We had him ride home from school the first two days so that he could get used to it with someone else putting him on instead of fighting me at 7:30am. Well it worked out really well and he is just fine getting on and off the bus. Even though
he says he doesn't need to go he has a smile on his face when he walks to the bus.

Jase still prefers to play with his trains in the playground over playing on the equipment.

Zach and I have been having good times with it just being us. He is still fiery, bossy and demanding as always. But it's good for him to have this time. I went to find a preschool for him and the first church we went to was a dud for his age group. They had no schedule or art activities for him to do. Just playing in a tiny room with two older ladies supervising them. The older children had a more structured schedule so maybe we will send him there next year. So hopefully I can find another one for him to go to now. During that time I am going to be able to help Jason more with his office stuff and be able to run errands with no one in tow.

The boys do play with each other but many times there is a mishap. Zach loves to aggravate Jase and crash his trains and piles of dirt. But Jase does try to share and talk

Jase's behavior has really improved and many would not believe what has transformed since last even last year. Amazing really. He is the one I prefer to take shopping and out to eat and I can't even believe it.

Zach is such a big and brave boy. Just fearless and check him out going up this rope wall .

I got lucky with this picture. I had to run around the slide and stick the camera into the slide and just snap it. I knew that he was not going to wait for me and I knew that he probably wasn't going to cooperate and go down the slide for me again.

First Snow and Christmas

We had a wonderful holiday and had tons of family come and visit us. We even had snow on Christmas day! It was so beautiful. This past week it even snowed more but I will post photos of the second snow on the next post. I had a dessert themed tree this year and here are some of my favorite ornaments.


not part of the theme but I thought this clip-on mushroom ornament was too adorable.

My dad and sister found these sweet cupcakes at Nordstrom Rack.

At first the boys couldn't keep their hands off the ornaments and Jase even moved some around that he felt needed to be placed in other spots. This was one of their favorites.

Check out this most awesome Eric Carle Advent calendar! each day had an ornament to hang on the tree or present to put in the little gift boxes. Christmas day was a big star to put on the top of the tree. Thanks to my friend, Dee, for finding this on Amazon!

I bought kid size ice cream cones and they are so small I just laughed and laughed when I opened the box. It's so practical though and the boys are happy with the serving and I am happy at how tiny it is! Since the boys are dairy free we buy coconut milk ice cream and it is really good!

Trains and trucks. Boys boys boys.

Zach has been talking so much and really putting sentences together. Many things are not understood by others outside of the home but he is drastically getting better. He's our little comedian and funny guy. He is a happy little guy that is always laughing.

I love it when the boys lay on their bellies to play with their toys. Getting down on the level to really see them at another angle.

Here we are Christmas eve. We put out crackers and water for Santa. Please don't laugh too hard. I mean we are probably the only people that give Santa crackers and water but our Coconut milk and gluten/dairy free cookies are expensive! hahahaha....it makes me giggle still.

I wrapped all the presents since the boys stuff didn't really need any assembly and they are still little and enjoy unwrapping the gifts. I heart my little white tree!

The picture is fuzzy but Zach's reaction was great.

Serious stuff opening these presents.

Jason picked out a present for Zach that was a big hit. A remote control 4-wheeler with a man on it.

Christmas should be everyday!

He went to sleep every night with it for a week.

We made it over to my parent's house through the snow and my dad dressed up as Santa. Jase was in awe, Elektra wasn't too sure if it was her "Aba" or the real Santa. Zach was pretty much mortified. When Santa handed him a present he took it but wanted nothing else to do with him.

Jase was so cute and still remembers the exact train that Santa gave him. He talked to Santa for sometime. He stood at the door and waved goodbye. He continues to talk about how Santa was there and we need to go see him.

Time for Santa to leave.

Zach and Jase fight like teenagers and it's so annoying. I can't even begin to tell you how many times Zach has bitten Jase during these spats. Many times I don't even know who started it so they both get in trouble. Ugh. I have a long road ahead of me.

We got a wonderful gift from our wonderful friends from Sweden. They sent candies from Sweden and it is really neat to taste what they eat. Our candy is a lot more vibrant in color and flavors. They also really like black licorice. The boys had a couple favorites which resembled red licorice but the flavor was delicate and enjoyable and then the Santa shaped marshmallow puffs were a tasty treat. Thanks Linda!!

Check out that those lips.

Check out that long line of trains.

Jase is a silly silly guy. As always he is a handful. He's can fly off the handle in a heart beat but with that same passion he is extremely affectionate and lovable. He loves to hug and kiss all the time. He is always happy, never sad or down. Okay he cries when hurt or upset but it never lasts long. He is so good inside.

Of course with the snow came new Thomas adventures.

Zach did not want to stop playing to have his photo taken. Jase's expression of love is so sweet in this picture. I love my three men!

We can hardly ever get a photo right!

Pulling his wagon through the snow.

Pushing his Transformer through the snow.

Stanley going on a snowy adventure. Check out the snow falling in mid shot.

It's hard to remember that Jase is still a "baby" but this photo proves just how baby he is.

Jason and Jase having a blast rolling down the hill. Too, too cute!

Wait guys! I am coming.

ATTENTION!!!! Jase received this book for his birthday in the mail. It came with no packing slip so we have no idea who sent it. If you could let me know who sent it, I want to send a thank you (when I get to those!!).

Jason's Aunt sent a play rug and here is Zach pushing his trucks and cars along it.

Check out our adorable nephew!

One of the few pictures that came out clear and everyone looking at the camera.

Jason's brothers in this picture just crack me up. Boys never really grow up!!

Grandparents with the grandbabies. cute.

My friend from San Fransico was in town for the holidays and I was luckily enough to get to see her and her adorable one year old baby boy. I miss them tons. Move to Georgia guys!!!